Ferrari has prepared a new high-downforce configuration of the SF-26 rear wing for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, adapting its reverse-wing system to the demands of the Hungaroring. The revised specification features small Mercedes-inspired extensions on the upper flap and is intended to make the car more aggressive at a circuit where downforce will be particularly important.
This is not the low-drag “Macarena” specification originally scheduled to debut at Spa-Francorchamps and now expected to appear at Monza. Instead, Ferrari has modified the reversible rear wing it has already used this season specifically for Budapest’s high-downforce requirements. The development adds another source of interest to a weekend in which the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix schedule represents Formula 1’s final event before the summer break.
Why the Hungaroring requires a high-downforce Ferrari SF-26 rear wing
Ferrari wants to extract the maximum potential from a circuit that demands very high aerodynamic load. Although the Hungaroring is sometimes described as Monaco without the barriers, the Budapest venue is far more complex than that comparison suggests.
It is not simply a slow, stop-start circuit. The lap also features interconnected medium-speed corners where maintaining aerodynamic load and carrying speed from one change of direction into the next will be essential. That combination places particular importance on downforce, balance and stability rather than only low-speed mechanical grip.
Ferrari will therefore travel to Hungary believing it can exploit the potential of the SF-26, which has demonstrated excellent chassis and aerodynamic qualities. Those characteristics explain why Ferrari is being widely identified as the leading contender for the weekend, although the team also has reasons to remain cautious about its prospects at the Hungaroring.
The circuit’s combination of slow and medium-speed corners should offer Ferrari an opportunity to use one of its car’s main strengths. The potential importance of the SF-26’s balance in these sections is examined further in an analysis of Ferrari’s low-speed performance in Hungary.
Mercedes-inspired hanger flaps added to Ferrari’s rear wing
At Maranello, Ferrari has prepared an adaptation of the reversible rear wing used so far this season. Small extensions permitted by the regulations have been added to the trailing edge of the upper flap.
The concept first appeared on the Mercedes W17 before gradually being adopted in different forms by other teams. In Britain, these additions to the flap’s trailing edge have been nicknamed “hanger flaps” because their shape resembles a clothes hanger.
Ferrari has therefore developed a high-downforce evolution of the broader “Macarena” reverse-wing concept. However, the Hungarian specification is separate from the version that was supposed to debut at Spa-Francorchamps and is now expected to appear at Monza.
Separate Monza evolution targets an 11 km/h speed gain
The long-developed evolution of Ferrari’s reverse wing is intended to become an important weapon at the fastest circuits. Compared with a conventional rear wing, it is expected to provide a total straight-line speed gain of approximately 11 km/h.
Seven kilometres per hour have already been obtained with the existing version. The later specification is expected to add another four by increasing the airflow passage between the mainplane and the flaps when they are open.
Maximum-speed improvement is one of the parameters Ferrari evaluates in the wind tunnel and simulator, alongside the aerodynamic efficiency gains delivered by the system. The very fast characteristics of Monza should provide an appropriate environment for the evolved wing when Formula 1 visits the Italian Grand Prix, which is listed on the complete 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
Ferrari’s two-actuator design addresses FIA safety concerns
Red Bull is also expected to return to its reversed rear-wing configuration in Budapest. According to the report, Pierre Waché’s technical department identified the failure points that had made the solution dangerous during Max Verstappen’s qualifying accident in Austria and his race incident at the British Grand Prix.
The FIA had asked teams using the Macarena-style concept to provide clarification, specifically raising questions about safety. Red Bull’s engineers subsequently had to work on their design before reintroducing it, while Ferrari reportedly provided convincing answers immediately.
The two teams have chosen different actuation systems. Red Bull’s wing is controlled by a single central actuator, whereas Ferrari’s arrangement uses two hydraulic actuators positioned inside the endplates.
Ferrari’s rear wing can continue operating with only one element controlling its movement. The solution carries a weight penalty, but it provides additional safety protection. Its construction was also subjected to extensive testing on Ferrari’s reliability benches before being used on track.
McLaren will test its Macarena wing in Hungary
McLaren is set to test its own version of the Macarena wing during practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, the new rear wing is expected to make its competitive race-weekend debut at Monza rather than Budapest.
It will be particularly interesting to see which design philosophy has been selected by McLaren’s Woking-based aerodynamic department, led by Peter Prodromou, as Formula 1 teams continue developing different interpretations of the reverse-wing concept.
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